How To Deathsend: 101

Welcome to the mysterious and thrilling world of Deathsend!

Whether you’re a seasoned Reaper or a fresh-faced detective on the case, this guide is designed to help you navigate the game’s unique mechanics and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. If you somehow ended up here, but don’t know what Deathsend is, then check this out.

Without further ado, follow these tips below to keep your sessions engaging and organized.

#1 Adhere to the 12-Hour Round Rule

In Deathsend, each round lasts exactly 12 hours, as stated in the gamebook. Here’s why sticking to this rule is crucial:

  • Consistent Flow: Maintaining the 12-hour round structure ensures that the game progresses steadily, even if some players are inactive. This prevents any one player’s delay from derailing the entire session.

  • Catching Up: Players who miss their turn or are unable to participate can catch up in subsequent rounds. This keeps the game moving and prevents frustration and confusion among active players.

  • Avoiding Delays: If one player’s inactivity is stalling the game, gently remind them of sending their action for the round (remember you can carry forward without them, so don’t pester them. One follow up per 12 hours unless they tell you otherwise, is good enough.)

Tip: Use a journal / log of some sort to keep track of player’s actions and if they’ve been used that round or not. You can also make note of other things that occur throughout the game or even important references to stats if you don’t want to always have their character stat cards or PDF on hand.

#2 The Reaper Handles All Rolling

In Deathsend, it’s suggested the Reaper (Game Master) is responsible for all rolling and conflict resolution. Here’s why this approach is essential:

  • Hidden Information: The game involves a lot of hidden information, and the Reaper’s handling of dice rolls helps maintain the game’s mystery and suspense. (I’m fully aware Discord and other groups can be set up to where other players won’t see the die rolls, but bear with me, there’s other reasons, mentioned below.)

  • Free-Form Play: Given the free-form nature of the game, where players act on their own terms, having the Reaper manage rolls keeps the story moving smoothly. This prevents disruptions and ensures that conflicts are resolved consistently and fairly.

  • Streamlined Gameplay: By centralizing the rolling process, the Reaper can more easily manage the game’s narrative and pacing, making the experience more immersive for everyone involved.

Tip: Use online tools or apps to assist with dice rolling to roll on the fly when it’s needed. Simply searching “d6 generator” will pull up exactly what you need (at least on Google, Yahoo kinda sucks.)

#3 Start Your Own Deathsend Game with Our Template

Ready to dive into Deathsend? We’ve got you covered:

#4 Find Players in Our Discord Community

Looking for fellow Deathsend players  to join your game? Our Discord community is the perfect place to connect with other players and Reapers. Here’s how to get involved:

  • Join the Conversation: Participate in discussions, share experiences, and find like-minded players.

  • Organize Games: Use the Discord channels to arrange game sessions and recruit players.

  • Ask for Advice: Tap into the collective wisdom of our community for tips and strategies.

Tip: Engage actively in the community to build connections and find players who share your enthusiasm for Deathsend. The more involved you are, the better your chances of assembling a great gaming group.

F.A.Q.

Q: Do you have to “Find” a player before investigating them?

A: You can investigate any player, without finding them. If it helps to think about it this way, you could view it almost more like a board game, with roleplaying elements...played through texting.

Q: What does “learn their story” mean with Investigating?

A: That subsection is added to allow players some more roleplaying opportunities with the story. If playing with the game characters for example, players could learn that not only is Player A is Hajime, but he's also a brother, working to be the leader of the Yakuza.

Q: At what point can Death use the “Kill” action?

A: At any point, free of action, as many times as Death wishes as long as the two requirements are met. 1.) Death knows their face. 2.) Death knows their name.

Got Questions or Suggestions?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions or suggestions about playing Deathsend, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable in making this guide even better and ensuring that everyone has a fantastic gaming experience.

Contact me personally: vincentbaker@vindicatedentertainment.com

Stay awesome! 

Vincent